IS High Leader Killed by United States and Nigerian Forces

According to Nigerian military officials, the attack targeted the al-Minun complex and also killed some of its subordinates. Nigerian authorities described the mission as a precise “operation” enabled by expanding the exchange of intelligence and military co-operation between the two countries, rapoiton BBC, broadcast Periscope.

American officials and Trump described Abu-Bilal al-Minuch as the second “man in command” of the IS at a global level and one of the group's most active operational leaders. Washington had already declared him a specially defined Global Terrorist in 2023.

Nigerian military sources said he had acted earlier inside Boco Haram before being associated with IS - related factions in West Africa after Boko Haram declared loyalty to the IS in 2015. Officials also linked it to extremist operations throughout the Sahel region and to the kidnapping of students in Dapchi in 2018 in northeastern Nigeria.

The murder is being presented as one of the most important hits on IS leadership since Abu Bakr al-Baghdad's death in 2019. However, analysts warn that militant groups in the region often quickly replace leaders even after major anti-terrorism successes.

The operation also reflects increased military co-operation between the US and Nigeria. In recent months, the two countries have expanded joint intelligence work and carried out co-ordinated attacks against IS-related militants operating in northern Nigeria.